LINCOLN, NEB. (Oct. 2, 2007)—The 32nd Annual Nebraska Travel Conference invites the state tourism industry to Discover Columbus! The conference will take place at the New World Inn, 265 33rd Ave, Columbus, Neb.

The conference includes educational workshops, general sessions and networking opportunities, as well as travel industry exhibitor booths displaying essential new products. Attendees can also participate in the Nebraska Travel Association’s Silent Auction, a fundraiser that will benefit tourism activities throughout Nebraska.

This year’s keynote speakers are Dave Mitchell, a nationally known speaker whose presentation “Live and Learn or Die Stupid” is part of his Leadership Difference series, which teach attendees how to create critical advantages in the marketplace and develop leadership for personal success, all with a healthy dose of humor. Clayton Whitehead, of Sports Leisure Vacations, will give a presentation titled “The Tour Operator: Beauty or Beast?” and Larry Mersereau, from Promo Power, will talk about “How to Get Maximum Return for Your Marketing Dollars.”

Other presentations include an update on Nebraska travel industry statistics and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Travel and Tourism Division’s statistics on its 2007 media buys, two sessions on how to increase online presence, and a presentation from Garan Coons, director of the Woodland Trails Art Center to be followed by a performance by the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe.

The social highlight of the weekend takes place Wednesday night, with a Renaissance-themed party complete with a feast fit for lords and ladies.